why I was always drawn to Johnnie Red

An ad page in the Illustrated London News, September 5, 1953.  And me, being only 3 years old.  It  took 60 plus years to finally put the two together - lawn bowling and whiskey.

a busy Christmas Day

ELITISTPROVOCATEUR

Saw an old friend yesterday afternoon, when a group of old Chamberlain Studio employees had a get-together at John Chamberlain's son, Duncan's studio, where this shiny old friend now sat in it's new home. This was a departing gift from, as Duncan called him - "Pops".  ELITISTPROVOCATEUR was the last piece of sculpture I ever photographed of John Chamberlain's work.  A provocative wrapped piece of stainless steel.

The studio manager was there, the spray-painter of all John's metal was there, Duncan the studio facilitator was there, myself the photographer was there - and most importantly, who very rarely received his due credit, the metal worker and welder during most of John's long career, was there.


The handsome ELITISTPROVOCATEUR on a hoist in the old Chamberlain Studio.

And now, sitting in Duncan's studio, seemingly reduced in size, by a tall 6 foot 8 inch Jack Crawford.    Jack - that ever-so-important, metal worker and "mig" welder extraordinaire.

dueling banjo's

The workers had arrived by noon, each with their own tune. Both hired work crews (twelve total) - all sang to the tearing off of our old roof.

Between the dog howling inside and the scrapping and heavy banging up top - it was good to hear the different cultures bring their own melodious work songs.  The Jamaicans brought their loud vocal reggae, and the Hondurans came with their own 'folklorico', sung in a humble way.  I only wish I had recorded it.

What can I say, a beautiful day of weather with everyone working hard and happy, with only one worker falling off a ladder - who quickly recovered - and, who soon was back-up on his feet. Through all this, our own poor Knuckles who'd been stuck inside, who could only do his best -  vocalizing with his synchronized non-stop barking - and combined, all offering a sheer delightful chaos.

stopped at the bridge to see my old pal Billy

with a strong, cold north wind - Billy with his new pup "Kinda" - and both seemingly, more than happy just to be able to be there. Today, Billy's only complaint - "cops still harassing me".  But this afternoon while talking, Billy was ecstatic just to recount his recent catch of a six foot shark on a rough hand line, which certainly had him (and me) more than animated. And, with the new dog, wrapped in her best hand-me-downs, they seemed perfectly prepared for a long cold night.

Tomorrow early, I promised them both hot coffee.

hopefully I've signed up a new Club member

With a little coaching, Miss Kailey showed good form considering it was her very first time. She got excited with her new lawn bowling.

Apple Corps

So - I have this good childhood buddy named Randolph, who on the occasion sends me quirky emails with photos - mostly dealing with our past or early remembrances.  Today he emailed me this stand alone photo with no text, knowing that it would 'spark' me. And the photo did.

While attending Medway College of Design in Kent, England, I had a crazy school chum who lived not far away in London.  One day, in early '70 he proposed a big dare, that I walk into Apple Corps (pronounced "apple core" - playing on the pun) walk in there and ask for a job, "Tell 'em you want to a make short film ...... being a "yank", they'll definitely hire you". Well they didn't hire me, but told me I could run errands.  For about a month after, when I went into the city, I'd stop by.  The receptionist would send me out for pints of milk, pastries, any small errands etc. This was during their (Beatles) personal break-up, their "Let It Be" period.

Writers Alan Clayson and Spencer Leigh would later describe that office scene;
"Out of his depth, a Beatle might commandeer a room at Saville Row, stick to conventional office hours and play company director until the novelty wore off. Initially, he'd look away from the disgusting realities of the half-eaten steak sandwich in a litter bin; the employee rolling a spliff of best Afghan hash; the typist who span out a single letter (in the house style, with no exclamation marks!) all morning before 'popping out' and not returning until the next day. A great light dawned. 'We had, like, a thousand people that weren't needed,' snarled Ringo, 'but they all enjoyed it. They were all getting paid for sitting around. We had a guy there just to read the tarot cards, the I Ching. It was craziness".

I recognized the photo of Apple Corps immediately. The receptionist was to the left on entering and I would sit behind her, waiting in the room, looking out that left front window.